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EXPONENT

Exponent

Definition Of Exponent

An Exponent is a mathematical notation that implies the number of times a number is to be multiplied by itself.

More About Exponent

There are some algebra rules and formulas for exponents and they are useful in evaluating certain expressions.
The exponents can be positive, negative, or zero.

Video Examples: Exponents
 

Example of Exponent

In the expression a7, the exponent is 7. 'a' is the base. 
In 24, 4 is the exponent. It indicates that 2 is to be multiplied by itself 4 times.
24 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 16

Solved Example on Exponent

Ques: A piece of cloth is in the shape of a square with a length of 8 yd. Find the area of the cloth in exponential form.

Choices:

A. 83 Square yards
B. 82 Square yards
C. 81 Square yards
D. 28 Square yards
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Step 1: Area of a square = s x s, where s is the side length.
Step 2: = 8 × 8 [Substitute s = 8.] 
Step 3: = 82 Square yards 
Step 4: So, the area of the piece of cloth in exponential form is 82 Square yards

Quick Summary

  • An exponent represents repeated multiplication.
  • The base is the number being multiplied.
  • Exponents can be positive, negative, or zero.
\[ a^n \]

🍎 Teacher Insights

Use visual aids and real-world examples to illustrate the concept of exponents. Emphasize the difference between exponents and multiplication.

🎓 Prerequisites

  • Multiplication
  • Basic Algebra

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: What is 3 raised to the power of 4 (3^4)?

Q2: Simplify 2^3 * 2^2

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does a negative exponent mean?
A: A negative exponent indicates the reciprocal of the base raised to the positive exponent (e.g., a^-n = 1/a^n).

Q: What is any number raised to the power of 0?
A: Any non-zero number raised to the power of 0 is 1.

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